Within the zoning districts established by this Chapter or subsequent amendments thereto, there exists or will exist certain nonconformities which, if lawful before this Chapter was passed or amended, may be continued, subject to certain limitations, although such nonconformities would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this Chapter or subsequent amendments thereto.

To avoid undue hardship, nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed to require a change in the plans, construction or designated use of any buildings or structures on which actual construction was lawfully begun prior to the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Chapter and on which actual building construction has been diligently carried on.

Lots of record existing at the date of the adoption or amendment of this Chapter which do not conform to the regulations of the district in which they are located may be used for primary structures or dwellings and customary accessory uses if the buildings are erected according to the following stipulations. This provision shall apply even though such lot fails to meet the requirements for area or width, or both, that are generally applicable in the district; provided, that yard dimensions and requirements shall conform to the regulations for the district in which such lot is located. The yard requirements for any such nonconforming lot situate in a block in which 60% of the land area has been developed and whereon are erected structures shall be the average of the yards for the area that has been developed in said block. For purposes of this provision, "block" shall be defined as a tract of land bounded by streets, or by a combination of streets and public parks, cemeteries, railroad rights-of-way, waterways or municipal corporate boundaries.

If two or more lots, combination of lots and portion of lots with continuous frontage in single ownership are of record at the time of passage or amendment of this Chapter, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements established for lot width and/or area, the land involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel for the purpose of this Chapter.

Therefore, no portion of said parcel shall be used or sold in a manner which diminishes compliance with lot width and/or area requirements established by this Chapter, nor shall any division of any parcel be made which creates a lot with width or area below the requirements stated in this Chapter.

Plots of record located in Agriculture-Forest District at the time of the enactment of this Chapter with less than 10 acres of land not adjacent to a farm which is under the same ownership may be developed provided the lot yard, coverage, and height requirements of Residential District are met with the following uses permitted: single family detached dwelling, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, leasing of rooms, churches, cemeteries and customary accessory uses.

Enlargement. No such nonconforming structure or building may be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity.

Damage or Destruction. A nonconforming structure which is destroyed, or partially destroyed by fire, explosion or by any means to an extent of 75% or more of the market value thereof immediately prior to such damage or destruction shall not be repaired or restored to a nonconforming status, but shall be reconstructed and used only in conformity with the provisions of this Chapter.

Moving of Structure or Building. No nonconforming structure or building shall be, for any reason, moved for any distance unless it shall thereafter conform to the zoning regulations for the district in which it is located after it is moved.

Discontinuance. Whenever a nonconforming structure or building has been vacated for a period of 24 consecutive months, such structure or building shall thereafter not be used except in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter.

Extension. A nonconforming use may be extended throughout any part of an existing structure or building, or a new extension may be constructed; provided, that any structure alterations, extensions or additions shall comply with all provisions of this Chapter with respect to height, area, width, yard and coverage requirements for the zoning district in which the structure or building is located. However, such extension of a nonconforming use shall not exceed 50% of the gross floor area occupied by said nonconforming use at the time such nonconforming use became nonconforming.

Change of Use. A nonconforming use, if changed to a conforming use, shall not thereafter be changed back to any nonconforming use. A nonconforming use may by special exception, be changed to another nonconforming use provided that the Zoning Hearing Board shall find that the proposed use is equally appropriate or more appropriate in the zoning district than the existing nonconforming use.

Discontinuance. Whenever a nonconforming use of a structure or building or portion thereof has been discontinued or abandoned for 24 consecutive months, such structure or building or portion thereof shall not thereafter be used for a nonconforming use.